Joanna Stearns

Joanna Lynn Stearns, age 59, of Freistatt, Mo., died Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Mo. Mrs. Stearns was born in Granby, Mo., on May 19, 1950, the daughter of Wilber Claude and the late Evelyn (Nunn) Claude. Joanna was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Stearns, on December 3, 1990.

Mrs. Stearns is survived by: her father, Wilber Claude of Verona, Mo.; two daughters, Cari L. Paynter of Freistatt, Mo., and Cassie Vanderhoef of Kansas City, Mo.; two sons, Jake Vanderhoef of Kansas City, Mo., and Mark Vanderhoef of Monett, Mo.; three sisters, Lee Scoonover of Pierce City, Mo., Anita Taylor of Monett, Mo., and Georgia Burson of Wichita, Kan.; one brother, Alan Claude of Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, Mo., where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2009. Graveside services will be at Summit Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2009, with Rev. Clif Crockett officiating.

PAID OBITUARY